THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As part of attracting nature-lovers to wildlife sanctuaries and to develop ecotourism projects in the State, the Government has sanctioned Rs.26.5 lakhs for ecotourism programmes for the Chimmony and Aralam wildlife sanctuaries.

Three ecotourism programmes will be implemented in the Chimmony wildlife sanctuary, a mega biodiversity zone, located near Mukundapuram in Thrissur. The Chimmony lake of 10.10 sq. km. is part of the sanctuary and irrigates large kole farms.

The sanctuary, which houses innumerable endemic and endangered species, attracts several tourists.

The ecotourism programmes sanctioned for Chimmony at an estimated cost of Rs.12 lakhs include Ecoretreat Anaporu, Mulapara Ecocamp and Virakuthodu camp, according to Director of Eco-Tourism K.G. Mohanlal.

Ecoretreat Anaporu

A trekking programme for 10 tourists at a time would be organised with the help of Eco-Development Committee members. A camp would be set up close to the lake and Swiss tents would be utilised to make it a permanent ground.

Trenches would be dug around the campsite to ensure protection from wild animals.

Treetop `machans', to be constructed by joining pine trees, would be another attraction. As part of encouraging trekking, new trails would be developed from Kadakallu through Vedivechukallu, an evergreen forest area, to Mangalamkava and from Anaporu to Mukuzhi.

The trek through Vedivechukallu to Mangalamvayal is ideal for bird-watching. The authorities hope the proposed programmes would help in minimising poaching activities in the area.

Mulapara ecocamp

Under the plan, the tourists would be taken on a cruise in a bamboo raft to the eastern side of the lake.

Adjacent to the proposed camp is the Cherpully falls with a natural pond.

Alpine tents would be introduced in the area. Trekking, bird-watching and wildlife conservation are the programmes planned for the area with the help of the EDC.

Virakuthodu camp

The programme has been chalked out as a paid nature camp for students and nature club members.

The package proposes one-night stay and a day trekking. Alpine tents have been recommended for setting up camps. According to the authorities, tourists would have the option to cook food or to get it from the EDC on additional payment.

Aralam

A sum of Rs. 14.5 lakhs has been sanctioned for the second phase of the eco-tourism programme being implemented at Aralam wildlife sanctuary in Kannur district. In the second phase, pathways, handrails, information boards, landscaping and comfort stations would be set up as part of providing minimum facilities to tourists.

The work on the Rs. 10-lakh first phase is nearing completion, according to the authorities.